News

After another loss on the road, an opportunity has risen this weekend for Paddock to get their away form back on track going into the seasons final stretch. Paddock’s last 4 away results have all been losses however, this weekend they face a Pilkington side who find themselves in a relegation battle. With the added motivation of putting right a 2-0 loss to Pilkington earlier this season, this might well be the perfect opportunity for Ste’s men to kickstart a strong finish to a very mixed season.

Opponent Watch

Pilkington U23s currently sit in 12th place in the Cheshire League Division 2. They sit 2 points ahead of Mersey Valley who are in 13th however, Mersey Valley have played two games less. With the bottom two teams getting relegated (13th and 14th), it’s vital for Pilkington that they get as many points as possible from their remaining two games. Survival is not in their hands.

Pilkington’s form of late has certainly been that of a side in a relegation battle. They have not obtained a single point since February where they were involved in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to F.C. St Helens. Their last win was way back in January against non other than, Stretford Paddock.

Pilkington have struggled for goals this season, with their top scorer Dylan Ross, only netting 3 so far this season. Ross also has 3 assists.

Situational Preview

Recent form has meant Paddock have now slipped into the bottom half of the table. When considering the side were pushing from promotion before Christmas, it’s certainly a tough pill to swallow thinking about where the side are at currently. Injuries, suspensions and players leaving the club however, has made things very difficult for the YouTube side.

Despite this, a top half finish is very much still on the cards – Moore United are only a point ahead of Paddock. For that to happen though, Paddock need to register a win, something they’ve not done since last month. But as previously stated, they face a side tomorrow who are in a very bad place – this is a great opportunity for Stretford Paddock.

Paddock will also be looking to get revenge after a disappointing defeat against Pilkington back in January. Tomorrow’s hosts shocked Paddock with a 2-0 victory. It was especially shocking since Paddock were in mighty form – they had won 9 of their last 11 league games at the time.

Team News

Tomorrow, Stretford Paddock will be without their captain, James Oatt. Suspension is what will keep ‘Oatsy’ sidelined after he picked up a second yellow card in the dying seconds last weekend. Paddock were 2-0 down and their opponents, St Helens, were running the clock down in the corner. A moment of frustration got the better of Oatsy and rash tackle on the man in possession made him see red.

James Oatt will be out of tomorrow’s game but back next weekend when Paddock take on Lymm Rovers. With the squad already being depleted, who will be partnering Thomas MacFarlane at Centre Half still remains a question.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

Up next we take on 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝟮𝟯𝘀 away from home, hoping to get some points on the board.

📅 Sat 22 Apr
🕛 12:15PM
📍 Ruskin Drive Sports Ground, WA10 6RP
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/5nuArmhbfo

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) April 21, 2023

Stretford Paddock have 5 league fixtures remaining this season, with the first 4 of which being away from home. Before they finish their season at home against West Didsbury and Chorlton Reserves next month, Paddock must travel to St Helens, Pilkington, Lymm and Moore. Away game number one is tomorrow and it is not going to be an easy one as Paddock face 2nd place F.C St. Helens Reserves.

Opponent Watch

F.C. St. Helens currently sit in 2nd place in the league but promotion for them is by no means done and dusted. Despite being 2 points clear of Bollington Town in 3rd, Bollington have played 2 games less. St Helens have a similar problem with St Michaels DH who, despite being 4 points behind St Helens, have played 3 games less.

It is vital for St Helens therefore that they take all 3 points against Paddock before their huge final game of the season against Bollington Town. Should F.C. St Helens win their 2 remaining games (including that big game against Bollington), and Bollington don’t pick up another 9 points in their remaining 4 games, promotion would be theirs.

Their main man in attack is Thomas Scarborough. With 11 goals in 7 appearances, Paddock will have to be on their toes should Scarborough be in tomorrows squad.

Head to Head

What sits between St Helens and Paddock is 13 points and 6 league positions.

Paddock have 10 wins this season in contrast to F.C. St. Helens’ 14.

Paddock have drawn 3 games, whilst St Helens have drawn 4.

Paddock have 8 losses to their name however, in comparison to F.C. St. Helens’ 6.

The home side also have a significantly better goal difference to Paddock’s (22 to Paddock’s 1).

What is interesting however, and something which will give Ste and his men confidence, is that one of St. Helens’ losses this season was against Stretford Paddock.

Back in November, goals from Tom Jones, Omar Sinclair and Kieron Molloy saw Paddock comfortably beat St Helens 3 goals to 1 at the Manchester Enterprise Academy. Since then, Kieron Molloy has left the club and Paddock have been struggling to score as a result.

Signings such as Ryan Katumba have certainly helped contribute some of those missing goals from Molloy however, Molloy has been a big miss for the YouTube side.

A win for Stretford Paddock could see them move back into 7th spot should Moore United drop points against Ashton Town Reserves. Ashton do sit bottom however, meaning that this is unlikely.

Team News

Manager, Stephen Howson, is faced with a dilemma ahead of tomorrows match in regards to the number 9 position. After a lengthy spell out, striker Tom Jones is back available for selection.

This makes life difficult for manager Stephen Howson who now has striker, Ryan Katumba in his ranks also.

Jones has registered 10 goals in 15 appearances for Paddock this season with Ryan Katumba scoring 4 in 7 since joining the club mid season.

Katumba offers much more of a physical presence whilst Jones is more quick and nimble. Jones has experience finding the net against St Helens yet Katumba is game ready – he scored only last weekend!

Nevertheless, this is a good predicament for Ste to have considering Paddock have faced plenty of injury crises, especially in the attacking and midfield areas.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

We take on 𝗙𝗖 𝗦𝘁. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 this week, hoping to do the double after our 𝟯-𝟭 𝘄𝗶𝗻 back in November.

📅 Sat 15 Apr
🕑 2:00PM
📍 Windleshaw Sports, WA10 6TD
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/FdcxQAB4GH

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) April 14, 2023

After a thrilling 3-2 victory against Ashton Town Reserves last weekend, Stretford Paddock finally are back to winning ways. An opportunity arises this weekend to build on their recent victory whilst facing St Michaels DH – a side who, like Paddock, still have a real chance of achieving promotion this season.

Opponent Watch

St Michaels DH currently sit just 5 points off of the promotion spots but with an attractive 4 games in hand on their closest rivals, Bollington Town. A win against Paddock on Saturday would not only make them favourites to achieve promotion, but would also see them achieving back to back wins in the Cheshire League.

As Paddock know well, momentum is key and both sides this weekend are desperate for momentum to end their seasons in the most positive manner possible.

St Michaels have two men on double figures this season. Forwards Paul Derbyshire and Dominic Brereton have 15 and 12 goals respectively. Derbyshire is currently the division’s 3rd top goalscorer. Having conceded 2 goals last weekend against much lesser opponents, Paddock are going to have to up their game even further to deal with the home side’s attacking prowess and get a result on Saturday.

Situational Preview

Paddock now sit 9 points away from 3rd spot in the Division – they also still have plenty of games in hand on opponents that sit higher than them in the table. Having won only 2 games in the league since the turn of the year, promotion for Paddock this season does look less likely than more however, never say never.

4 of Paddock’s remaining 7 league games are against teams lower than them in the table. What Paddock must do though is take each game as it comes rather than focus on the bigger picture.

A win for Stretford Paddock would put them only a point behind St Michaels in the table (despite having played 2 more games). It just goes to show how tight things are at the top and how quickly things can change.

Should Newton-Le-Willows fail to win and Paddock collect all three points, they would move up into 6th place – a huge psychological boost for the side. This gives Ste and the boys even more motivation to put right their 5-0 hammering which they recieved from St Michaels earlier this season.

Team News

Though not yet confirmed, it seems likely that Paddock’s new man in goal, Martin Flanagan, will be unavailable again this weekend due to injury. A vital last minute save from Vic Gimenez last weekend would surely give Paddock’s shot stopping expert a spot in the starting line up.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

We take on 𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹𝘀 who are in 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. Last time out they beat us 𝟱-𝟬 which we must improve on if we wish to climb the table

📅 Sat 1 Apr
⏲️ 12:30PM
📍 JMO Sports Park, WN8 8BX
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/j2hV9AG6qX

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) March 31, 2023

Welcome to the Paddock Roundup!

Last weekend, we had all 3 Paddock sides in action in their respective leagues despite the club only picking up one victory.

If you’ve not already, check out the First Team’s Match Report over on the News section of the club website. The First’s got an important victory on the board against Ashton Town Reserves, but they did made it difficult for themselves!

Let’s take a look at how the Amateurs and U21s got on!

Amateurs

Lancashire and Cheshire AFL

Irlam Steel Rangers 7-0 Stretford Paddock

It was another difficult day at the office for Stretford Paddock’s Amateur side. Despite a positive performance in their last fixture, Paddock were unable to carry across that form into an important game against their mid-table opponents.

Paddock conceded their first couple of goals due to individual errors. A disorganised defence failed to deal with a long throw in for the first goal before an intercepted loose ball leading to the home side’s second.

Rangers’ third goal was one similar to Bollington’s recent goal against Paddock Firsts. An injured player going down resulted in most players on the pitch stopping play however, the Rangers man in possession slotted the ball into an empty net.

Goal 4 was another unlucky one for Paddock. A beautiful long range effort found the back of the net however, a strong argument for offside could have been made. There was at least 1 Rangers player blocking the view of Paddock keeper, Tiz Archer.

Despite a spell of positive play, Paddock were well and truly beaten at this point. Paddock being unprepared again led to goal 5, an own goal led to goal 6 and the final goal was heavily aided by a wicked deflection.

It was a frustrating day at the office for our Amateurs which keeps them 11th in the table.

Will the lads be able to get back to winning ways this weekend against Hattersley?

U21s

North West U21 Development League

Hartford 3-0 Stretford Paddock

Despite the scoreline, Paddock’s 3-0 away loss the Hartford was a lot closer than it would seem. There were plenty of positives to take.

There were lots of good transitions from attack to defence, a solid CB partnership performance and a great show of physicality. Despite this, Paddock’s failure to be clinical with their finals ball ended up costing them the game.

An early injury for Paddock’s McLarty forced an unexpected change not long before Hartford broke the deadlock. The home sides second goal came from the penalty spot and another late goal sealed Hartford a 3-0 victory.

Despite the result leaving our U21s bottom still, Manager Nathan, believes there is plenty of optimism in the squad going into their next fixture, against Warrington Rylands.

Perfect Paddock Comeback

A resilient Stretford Paddock side came from behind twice to earn themselves a valuable 3 points after a tough run of results in previous weeks.

Paddock, expectedly, controlled proceedings early on against Ashton who find themselves bottom of the table. Brilliant link up play between a fast flowing forward three saw plenty of early opportunities arise for the home side.

Only ten minutes into the game, a sloppy bit of football in the midfield from Paddock saw a quick Ashton through ball who found the forward that slotted home calmly against the run of play. An instant response from Paddock followed with chances coming for both Katumba and Macfarlane with the visitors seemingly hanging on to their somewhat fortunate lead.

A moment of madness from Ashton’s number ten saw the youthful side reduced to ten men after a kick out at Adjei directly in front of the referee’s watchful eye. Paddock’s dominance continued with them making the most of the extra man advantage forcing Ashton’s youthful backline into often clearing their lines.

With just under ten minutes to go a brilliant through pass from Burke found Joao De Andrade bearing down on goal at blistering place with Katumba alongside, who he set up for an easy finish for Paddock’s number nine giving Paddock a deserved goal in a first half that they entirely controlled.

Despite Ashton taking the lead it was a quiet opening 45 minutes for Paddock keeper Gimenez, who found himself in between the sticks after Martin Flanagan’s injury that he sustained last weekend, as the first half came to a close with both sides level but Paddock dominating proceedings.

HALF TIME: Stretford Paddock 1-1 Ashton Town Reserves

Paddock began the second half how they left off the first with a good chance falling for De Andrade after a good ball over the top from skipper James Oatt which was confidently defended early in the second half.

Once again, against the run of play, a route one free kick that bypasses Paddock’s entire backline saw their captain loft the ball over a helpless Gimenez to see Ashton Town Reserves take the lead for the second time in the game requiring another Paddock reaction.

Another fantastic reaction followed from Paddock as Oatt found a frighteningly fast Burke through on goal to calmly slot past the Ashton goalkeeper just after the hour mark and bring Paddock level once again, which was the least they deserved.

A mazey run in midfield from Nosa Iyamu and a spectacular through ball found half-time substitute Kayode Adewale in a one-on-one situation however he was unable to get his shot away with Paddock always pushing to go ahead for the first time in the match.

With ten minutes remaining in the second half another Paddock substitute, Ronaldo Brown, excellently squared the ball for Nosa Iyamu to tap home from close range and put themselves in the lead for the first time, the least that the home side deserved after an incredible display of dominance against the ten men of Ashton.

Limited chances followed as Paddock professionally contained Ashton and gained themselves a vital three points in a well-earned victory which will be very well received by all at Stretford Paddock after a few disappointing results this year.

FULL TIME: Stretford Paddock 3-2 Ashton Town Reserves

Stretford Paddock FC XI: Victor Gimenez (GK), Richard Adjei, Michael Burke, James Oatt (C), Thomas Macfarlane, Zacharias Bell, Joao De Andrade, Omar Sinclair, Ryan Katumba, Nosa Iyamu, Radhe Barber

Subs: Jainiero Salmon-Harris, Kayode Adewale, Nasser Shakoor, Ronaldo Brown

Stretford Paddock are in desperate need of a win – has this Saturday’s fixture against the side sitting bottom of the league come at the perfect time? This weekend, Paddock host Ashton Town Reserves, a side struggling this season in League 2 of the Cheshire League. With both sides still with a glimmer of hope of achieving their own specific goals this season, Saturday’s match is set up to be a cracker.

Situational Preview

Stretford Paddock, after a disappointing loss to Bollington Town, remain in 7th position – just within the top half of the table. The club are now 11 points off 3rd, which is where they will need to finish to achieve promotion. With 6 teams all fighting for 2 promotion places, it does seem less and less likely that Paddock will be one of those 2 teams come the end of the season.

Having said that, Paddock have a handful of games in hand on different teams above them. However, if Paddock are going to take advantage of their games in hand, they need to start winning, and start doing it soon.

A win for Paddock would not see them move any higher than 7th place but could put them level on points with Haydock FC, with a game less played.

Ashton Town Reserves currently sit 20 points below Paddock, in bottom spot. A win for them this weekend would certainly give their survival hopes a boost. Hartford, who sit in 11th, are only 8 points ahead of Ashton Town.

Opponent Watch

We’ve already touched on it, but Ashton Town Reserves are not having the best of seasons. Having finished 9th last season, the club would have been hopeful of pushing on for a promotion challenge this season. With a record of 3 wins, zero draws and 17 losses, their hopes for possible promotion have become hopes of survival.

Their last victory came back in October of last year where they hammered 4 goals past Pilkington U23s. Since then, they have failed to amount any points and have conceded a total of 28 goals.

You’d think this would be an easy game for Paddock, and yes, you’d expect the home side to take all three points however, Ashton Town will be licking their lips at the opportunity to face a Paddock side with only 1 win in their last 6 league games.

Ashton Town also have a danger man which Paddock’s defence must keep quiet. Forward, Robert Ablewhite has bagged 10 goals this season in only 6 appearances. Should he feature tomorrow against Paddock, we should expect nothing less than an exciting game of football.

Team News

Ronaldo Brown is back available for selection this weekend and we expect to see him in the match day squad. Whether he finds himself in the starting 11 or not is a different question.

Over the past 2 weekends, Joao De Andrade and Ryan Katumba have been very busy up top – doing almost everything right other than finding the back of the net. We have also seen impressive performances out wide from Mikey Burke and Omar Sinclair.

After picking up an injury last Saturday against Bollington Town, Martin Flanagan will be out this weekend. The only goal in Paddock’s 1-0 loss was scored in controversial fashion. The ball was slotted into an empty net whilst Paddock’s keeper was down injured. The goal stood and Flanagan coundn’t continue.

Despite keeping a clean sheet, it is unlikely that James Oatt will keep his place in goal. An opportunity arises however for Victor Gimenez to claim himself a spot in the first team. It’s likely that Paddock’s expert shot stopper will be back between the sticks tomorrow.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

With last week not going to plan, we hope to turn it around this week as we welcome 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀.

📅 Sat 25 Mar
⏲️ 2:00PM
📍 Manchester Enterprise Academy, M22 9RH
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/nkOegrPYUl

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) March 24, 2023

Bollington Town v Stretford Paddock

Controversy Sparks Paddock Defeat

A disappointed Stretford Paddock suffered defeat to Bollington Town who sit third in the league after an incredibly frustrating performance after a controversial first half goal sealed the game.

A frantic opening minute saw a Bollington midfielder take a strike from long range rocket off the crossbar to the delight of Paddock who were let off after a sloppy piece of defending. A good reaction to the early scare saw a wave of good chances and pieces of play from Paddock.

Around the 25^th minute Paddock keeper Martin Flanagan attempted a clearance but was caught in the turf, dropping to the ground in serious pain which was ignored by the Bollington forward as he passed the ball into an empty net to the disbelief of the Paddock players and bench. With Flanagan unable to continue skipper, James Oatt had to step up and play in net with Cam Watters coming on in replace for our injured goalkeeper.

More unsportsmanlike behaviour followed with the hosts unwilling to give Stretford Paddock a goal despite scoring without challenge. Paddock left with a mountain to climb being a goal down without their trusted man between the sticks who saved them on several occasions last time out against Upton.

Mikey Burke, who found himself higher up the pitch due to the absence of Ronaldo Brown, was constantly easing past his opponents due to his sheer pace causing plenty of problems for the Bollington full backs on both sides with Paddock dominating play after going behind so cruelly.

The first half came to an end with Paddock on top in a fiery affair with both sides riled up after heavy challenges and refereeing decisions. Stretford Paddock left with plenty to do, but most certainly not out of the game.

HALF TIME: Bollington Town 1-0 Stretford Paddock

Paddock began the second half how they finished the first, on top, with many opportunities in quick succession, falling their way through Katumba, Burke and Macfarlane.

An aggressive Bollington side often left late challenges on the Paddock players without the referee spotting, along with clear fouls often ignored to the dismay of the Paddock bench who made the referee aware of their own opinions after several controversial decisions impacting Paddock.

Good link up play between Ryan Katumba and Joao De Andrade lead to more positive chances opening up for Paddock as they continued to search for the equaliser which seemed almost destined to come after a long period of sustained pressure from the visitors.

As the game passed the hour mark a heavy but fair challenge from Kayode Adewale was deemed as a foul by the referee who booked the Paddock midfielder after what looked like the influence of the home side’s screams from both players and bench swaying his decision. The resulting free kick saw a confident Oatt in goal collect the ball and attempt to start a counter attack that Paddock were unable to capitalise on.

A piece of excellent closing down from Joao De Andrade saw the Bollington defender dispossessed, leading to him bringing down Joao just outside the box as he bared down on goal.  Incredibly, the ref allowed the Bollington man to leave with only a talking to despite it De Andrade appearing to be the last man. Omar Sinclair’s resulting free kick was unable to beat the wall allowing the home side to clear their lines with Paddock still trailing.

A few Paddock calls were once again ignored by the referee with nothing quite going our way. With only five minutes remaining Paddock continued to press and cause problems for the Bollington back line but to no prevail as the referee blew his final whistle with Paddock suffering defeat.

FULL TIME: Bollington Town 1-0 Stretford Paddock

An altercation between both sets of players and coaches after the game displayed the disappointment and frustration of Stretford Paddock as they fall victim to an incredibly unfair result.

A disappointing result for Paddock as they come away with nothing in a game where they really deserved a lot more.

Stretford Paddock XI: Martin Flanagan (GK), Richard Adjei, Omar Sinclair, James Oatt (C), Thomas Macfarlane, Zacharias Bell, Joao De Andrade, Kayode Adewale, Ryan Katumba, Nosa Iyamu, Michael Burke

Subs: Jan Aftab, Cameron Watters, John Ogochukwu

For the second week on the bounce, Stretford Paddock face opponents who also find themselves in the fight for promotion. After a good performance and well earned point against the league leaders last week, Paddock will be looking to get an important win against a side they have previously beaten.

Opponent Watch

Bollington currently sit in 3rd position in the division. Since the new year, Bollington have won 5/7 league games despite a disappointing draw last week away to West Didsbury & Chorlton. They are in good form therefore and will be looking to keep themselves in the top 3.

Should St Michaels DH win their two games in hand, they would go ahead of Bollington so a win this weekend against the Paddock would be a huge boost for their promotion pursuit.

Bollington’s main man this season has been Joshua Connolly. The forward has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances this season and will be keeping defenders James Oatt and Thomas MacFarlane on their toes should he start on Saturday.

Situational Preview

Paddock currently sit in 7th place in the league but could go as high as 5th should they win their 2 games in hand. That would put Bollington 3 points ahead of Paddock (both on 19 games), showing the importance of this Saturdays game.

Bollington have been more deadly in front of goal in contrast to Paddock this season. Bollington have scored 53 goals so far this season (played 2 more games), Paddock have scored 37. Interestingly, 6 of those 37 goals came in the first fixture between the two sides back in October.

Should Haydock lose and Paddock win convincingly beat Bollington, the club could jump up to 5th place by the end of the weekend and close the gap between the promotion zone to 7 points (Paddock with games in hand).

Bollington could go up into 2nd if they get a win.

Manager, Stephen Howson, shared his thoughts on this weekends fixtures:

“If we win this weekend then I think that promotion could be back on. If we don’t win this weekend, I think it looks unlikely”

Team News

Paddock’s availability for players this weekend is relatively strong in comparison to previous weeks. Omar Sinclair is now back from injury and on his way back to full match fitness and the club have new signings that are continuously impressing.

One man unavailable this weekend is forward, Ronaldo Brown.

🚨𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦🚨

After plating 𝟭𝘀𝘁 place last weekend, this week we take on 𝟯𝗿𝗱 place 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻.

📅 Sat 18 Mar
⏲️ 2:00PM
📍 All Hallows Catholoc College, SK11 8LB
🏆 @CheshireFL
🎫 FREE#UpThePaddock pic.twitter.com/MRldboxhCO

— Stretford Paddock FC (@SPaddockFC) March 17, 2023

Welcome to the return of the Paddock Roundup! This is where we give you guys a quick summary about what’s been going on across the whole club. It wasn’t just the First team who played a friendly last weekend but so did our Amateurs.

Firsts: Stretford Paddock 2-7 Premier League XI

Paddock, last weekend, welcomed the return of a Premier League XI made up of ex footballers and, like the name suggests, some ex Premier League players. Last season, Joleon Lescott captained a side which beat Paddock by 4 goals to 1 however this season, it was ex Premier League winner, Danny Simpson who wore the armband.

Paddock were facing a very high quality football team on Saturday – and the scoreline showed that. Our opponents were fantastic in possession and clinical in front of goal. Paddock conceded 7 goals in the end but managed to bag a couple of ‘worldies’.

A freekick from the edge of the box was whipped into the top corner with pace from Omar Sinclair and James Oatt ended the game with a stunning volley to give Paddock another consolation.

Despite the scoreline, Paddock had a few spells of possession where they managed to get beyond the Premier League XI’s high press. The First’s return to action tomorrow in the Cheshire League against Haydock FC.

Amateurs: Stretford Paddock 6-0 Bolton Lions

In our friendly against Bolton Lions, Paddock sailed their way to a 6-0 victory – a result which will give the club confidence heading back into the league.

Manager, Tom Evsi, said that the football he saw last weekend was “the best football of the season”. It was evident that work from the training ground was finally getting through to the players.

Our Amateurs are currently bottom of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Premier Division but now have a bit of momentum behind them.

U21’s: Stretford Paddock 0-2 UDA Soccer Royals

A 2-0 loss at home means that Stretford Paddock remain bottom of the North West Under 21 Development League Championship A.

During the first half, Paddock seemed to be panicky in possession and struggled to penetrate effectively. However, during the second half, they managed some good passing plays and adapted well to the new shape.

Despite losing 0-2, the team’s performance did not resemble that of a bottom-ranked team, giving optimism for future games.